Rehabilitation protocol for patients with shortened calf muscles

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Protocol in Patients With Shortened Posterior Leg Muscles, Whether or Not Combined With Ultrasound- Guided Surgery

NA · Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir · NCT06308380

This study is testing a special rehabilitation program to see if it helps people with shortened calf muscles recover better after surgery or on its own.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorFundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir (other)
Locations3 sites (Granollers, Barcelona and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06308380 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study aims to evaluate a specialized rehabilitation exercise protocol for patients with foot pathologies and calf muscle shortening. It will compare outcomes in ankle mobility recovery between patients who undergo minimally invasive ultrasound-guided surgery and those who do not. The study will assess the effectiveness of a 12-week rehabilitation program on improving ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and the return to daily activities and sports. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the rehabilitation protocol alone or after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 20 to 90 with shortened posterior musculature and chronic ankle pain affecting their daily activities.

Not a fit: Patients with previous lower limb surgeries, neuropathic pain, or specific bony conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients with calf muscle shortening and related foot pathologies.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research directly comparing rehabilitation protocols post-surgery versus non-surgical approaches, similar studies have shown positive outcomes with rehabilitation in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with shortened posterior musculature.
* Chronic ankle pain.
* Limitations in activities of daily living.
* Atypical gait.
* Clubfoot.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous MMII surgeries.
* Neuropathic pain.
* Bony cap equinus.
* Analgesic physiotherapy.

Where this trial is running

Granollers, Barcelona and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Equinus Deformity of Foot, Gastrocnemius Equinus, Contracture, foot deformity, calf shortening, foot and ankle disease, stretching and muscle strengthening, exercise post surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.